The traditional duel between the defending champions Eisbären Berlin and the Adler Mannheim is the highlight of the semi-final playoffs of the German Ice Hockey League.
"It's a huge challenge," said Adler manager Jan-Axel Alavaara.
The entry of the Grizzlies Wolfsburg on Monday into the round of the top four made the clash between the main round champions Berlin and Mannheim on Wednesday (7.30 p.m. / Magentasport) perfect.
Wolfsburg is a guest in the second semi-final at EHC Red Bull Munich.
On Monday, Lower Saxony qualified as the last team for the semi-finals by beating the Fischtown Pinguins from Bremerhaven 2-0 in the decider.
Tyler Gaudet (6th minute) and Spencer Machacek (59th) made the 3:2 success in the series perfect.
"Today we were very strong," enthused Wolfsburg coach Mike Stewart.
"We plowed, fought, blocked."
The Grizzlies were clearly favored in the last quarter-final game against Bremerhaven, now they are more of an outsider in their first appearance in Munich.
Don Jackson's team beat Düsseldorfer EG 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
But the self-confidence of Wolfsburg has increased significantly.
"We have to win three times again," said goalkeeper Dustin Strahlmeier, who was outstanding against Bremerhaven.
"It doesn't matter who."
There are no big favorites between Berlin and Mannheim.
Even though the Eisbären were the only team to remain unbeaten with a 3-0 win over the Kölner Haie and, with 35 wins this season, had the best record in the main round.
After the change of coach from Pavel Gross to Bill Stewart, Mannheim got into top form in good time.
"It will be a determination of where we are in terms of performance," said manager Alavaara.